Halloween 2017

This year...  coldest year yet maybe?!?!  
I stayed in the house this year and handed out candy...  unfortunately, this night is just another reminder of a year ago (when I was a sappy mess), so opting out of walking in the cold was just fine with me.  Ryan was the good parent and took the kiddos (and two girls across the street) with him.  They had a good time, came back with oodles of candy... and were freezing.   Success.

Kayson - Steph Curry

Cora - Elena of Avalor

Make Up Session by Cora Taylor

Make up session by Cora Taylor

Lindsay and Ashley were amazing sports...  actually I think it was their idea, but in the end - they are great big cousins, and I so appreciate them doing this, playing with Cora and letting her imagination just roll.  Seriously brings tears to my eyes knowing what kind of happiness and memories this brought to Cora. 

And then it was Cora's turn...  Ashley did most of Cora's - and Cora's favorite part was the red lipstick!!!  :)

Just lovely.

Weekend

Friday:
Our Friday night went like this -- 
Cora and I attended a CABI party (clothing) - at her friend's house...  I guess her Mom is my friend too... but it was a good excuse to have Elaina and Cora play a little bit!  I love LOVE the clothes from CABI, but they are SOOOO pricey.  I just have a really hard time doing that...  even though they are great quality.  But it was good to get away for a couple hours. 

Ryan and K did an errand and hung out... boy stuff.  ha.

Saturday:
We got up and at 'em...  Cora and I got ready and headed to Clarion.  I needed a day there... I just miss being up there lately.  Missing everything about up there actually.  So sis and I got on the road about 9:30.  We spent the morning/lunch time at Jill's... played there and just hung out.  Had a great time...  especially Cora, Linds and Ash - make up session!  (That gets it's own post!)  :)  

Then we headed out to the farm.  Dad was in the field, so didn't see him, but talked to him a couple times...  he seemed good, and was getting the crops out.  He gets so stressed about that... so it was good to hear that he was just chugging along.  I didn't need him to come spend time with Cora and me, cuz I know he would have wanted to just be in the field.  #farmerworryproblems

Anyway, all us girls (Trish, Hope, Ed, me, Cora, Jill, Ash, Linds (and Ryan!)) cleaned at the farm.  It needed a good "Hardy" clean.  ha.  We wiped stuff down, cleaned the bathroom, cleaned the floors... just freshened it up a little.  Dad does an 'ok' job for being 75 and on his own now, but I think Mom would have been happy that we did this!

Then we headed into Trish's...  hung out there with everyone, and had a quick supper.  Then Cora and I were on the road around 7:30.  She was tired, but she did pretty well for me...  

Kayson and Ryan headed over to Iowa City for the football game (in the cold!!!) around 12:30 I think...  they had a good time, according to Kayson.  ha.  It was a win, but I know K was cold.  But they survived!  They left a little early from the game since they drove their selves over, so that was nice. 

Sunday:
Church... and an afternoon of laundry!  Dear - I had a ton to do... but it's all done.  I love my new laundry machines - they work fast, so I can get that crap done!

Ryan and kids carved a pumpkin, I got groceries... and then the rest of the day the kids have been on their iPads, but we just made them go outside for a little bit.  Played for a while...  so that's good.  Some fresh air!!

That's about it for today...  

We got my wedding dress out - and brought home. 

Damn you Prednisone!!!!

About a week ago... maybe even two weeks ago - my right ear started to seem to be plugged.  I couldn't 'pop' it.  I tried putting drops in, I feel like I tried everything... 
By this past weekend, my ear hurt.  Like I was in pain.  It throbbed... and just plain hurt.

I ended up going to the chiropractor to get adjusted, and her mess with my ear...  She adjusted me, said that behind my ear seemed inflamed, cracked my neck really good and she even looked in my ear (according to her, it was clear/looked good)... and I was on my way.

By Tuesday night I hurt... and was pretty frustrated.  So I got into the doctor Wednesday afternoon.  I was certain that I had an ear infection... my ear was warm to touch and super sore, almost all around it. But both my ears looked good according to the doctor.  Clear, not red, nothing...  So the doc pushed around again... and came to the conclusion that my eustachian tube is inflamed.  Something I've heard of, but didn't know anything about it... 

The eustachian tube is a small canal that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and upper throat (nasopharynx). Its purpose is to equalize the air pressure in the middle ear with the pressure outside it. Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) occurs when the tube fails to open during swallowing or yawning.

So when reading that and according to the doc - that's why I couldn't 'pop' my ear, and it felt plugged...  and then started to hurt.  Well in the end, doc put me on prednisone (steroid) to help with that inflammation.  He couldn't give me an antibiotic, cuz it's not infected... just inflamed.  :(

Prednisone and me are not friends.  I actually hate it, and even called to see if I could take something else.  They said I could just do Flonase spray in my nose, but he said that would take much longer to calm that tube down. 

So I'm fighting through the hot flashes, my neck and face feeling like they are 200 degrees, the nervous tension I have, the ability to NOT SLEEP.  Oh it's awful.  I can't wait for next Tuesday when I'm done with the pills...  :(  #crabbymomma

Christmas and stress!!! But look at these ideas!

So...  Christmas will be here soon, whether we like it or not!!  I've been reminded of this by my mother in law, cuz she's been asking for ideas for the kids!  I'm also reminded when at stores because holiday decorations are out!!!  Anyway, I will be doing my sister day of shopping in early November, which is so soooooon...  but regardless, I am one of those people that doesn't like that Christmas will be here soon!  It just stresses me out... it's stressful giving out gift ideas for the kids to so many people, and then trying to leave ideas for Ryan and I to buy for our own kids - or even Santa to give!!  (Cuz we still believe in Santa!)

When I was growing up - we got main/bigger items from our parents (and that wasn't much)... and then we got 2 gifts from our grandparents.  That's it!   Cousins didn't buy, Aunts/Uncles didn't buy for us, no one else!  I know times have changed, but as I get older/as my kids get older/and as I just would love to have more appreciative kiddos - I just don't think over-doing the holidays is necessary.  Just my opinion!  :)

BUT anyway --- I just happened to run across something today over lunch... and it was amazing to me.  Almost perfect for how I feel about Christmas.  Over the past couple of years, I've realized that Kayson especially is just growing up.  He doesn't do toys anymore.  He doesn't 'need' a lot, or even want a lot when it comes to gifts.  Him being almost 9 is a true fact that as your kids get older - they don't need/want much (unless it's electronics! - and he's not getting a phone!) 

I had the kids write out their 'wish lists' - and the lists are small.  Very small.  And to be honest, a few things on that small list just aren't going to be bought!!  With the lists being small, it just made me verify my initial thoughts anyway ---- "doing experiences or having them be better kiddos" just might be the route to go when it comes to the holidays.

Finally getting to the point of my post -- A gal that I follow asked the million dollar question that all us parents are thinking about... Her question:
"I am looking for ideas for experiences for my kiddos - ages 9 (boy), 6 (girl) and 3 (girl).  They have so many toys and am trying to come up with memorable experiences instead of 'not needed' gifts for Christmas... suggestions!?!?"

SO many responses - which is amazing.  Ryan and I are going to talk about these and hopefully do a few of them.  I think they are GREAT!

1. Zoo, Science Center passes
2. Movie tickets/gift cards
3. Subscription to a magazine
4. pottery painting gift cards
5. Omaha Zoo/Omaha Children's museum
6. Give a book each month throughout the year
7. Guitar lessons, cooking classes
8. Take kids to Great Wolf Lodge for a weekend of swimming and fun!
9. Give them $50 - in $10 bills and ask them to spend it on someone else - like a random act of kindness 
10. Civic Center passes/season tickets
11. Santa express in Boone

I'm babbling... I know my kids are kids... and we'll obviously get them the main things they 'want'...  I think some of these other ideas are just more meaningful. 

And Ryan let me know the other day that Christmas music will be on our Sirus channel starting November 1.  WHAT!!??!  Before Thanksgiving?!?!  Oh dear.

One Year without Mom

Yesterday (October 23) officially marked 1 year without Mom in our lives.  Without my Mom.  Without Mom to see my kids.  Without my Mom to help Dad in the field.  Without my Mom to be with my sisters in Clarion.  Without her just around - to drive me crazy in her own way...  and just not be here. 

Sunday at church my wonderful husband asked for prayers for all of us today.  That brought the waterworks for the day... and into yesterday as well.  I'm thankful for what we have... but I sure do wish I still had my Mom. 

Sunday night my sisters and nieces snapchatted for hours back and forth - talking, crying, laughing about Mom/their Grandma.  Pictures were being shared like crazy... and this first one was sent by Ash.  Mom looks like someone straight out of a movie... so beautiful.  Makes me smile.

 

 

 

 

 

and last night we started a tradition (maybe) --- we went for a Diet Coke at a nearby Hardee's.  It's not something that any of us will drink, but Ryan had the great idea to do this...  in remembrance of Mom.  The kids thought it was cool.

Weekend

Friday:
Honestly can barely remember what we did Friday night...  ugh.  We did grab supper out... but I'm pretty sure that was it. 

Saturday:
Ryan worked...  the kids and I hung out (our normal Saturday stuff) - cleaning a little, laundry, we did art, we snuggled and watched shows.  It was a gloomy morning, so doing that stuff in our jammies was just what I needed.

Olivia came over for a couple hours and played with the kids... which is always nice.  They play so well - like I barely hear them.  They just get along well.  I call that a score for all of us.  Saturday afternoon we then went to Ryan's work party - instead of having a holiday party (hard to get people here in the winter and just schedules are too busy around the holidays), they decided to try a "Falliday Party", and it worked out well.  There was a bounce house and two food trucks, drinks, the works.  It was really nice... the kids had a blast (and were absolutely exhausted!!)  The weather cooperated for about 4 hours of it, so that's nice!  We did have to leave early for Kayson's last football game... which in the end, was 'called' about 2 minutes in because of lighting.  Huge bummer.

We grabbed supper out with Kayson's friend Hudsen's family.

Sunday:
Church.
Kayson's been with a friend all afternoon.
Cora took an awesome nap... (she wasn't tired!)
I did an errand and got groceries.
Ryan mowed.
That's it. 

I'm sad it's Sunday.  I'm pretty exhausted, and sad that tomorrow marks 1 year without Mom.  Pretty sick to my stomach actually...  :(

Cora playing with Kayson's red truck - Grandma's red truck

Art Saturday morning.

Kayson and Hudsen

Mom's with boys.

Cora - Challenges & Accident Prone

Our beautiful 5 year old is 5... and she's a little stinker.  Some may think she's a brat at times.  :)  I hope not, but at some points in our evenings or outings, if I were watching her from afar (and not her parent), I would think she's a brat. 



Cora's struggling with the activities she does - tumbling and gymnastics.  Now I don't know if this is me, or if it's the activity, or what.  Monday at tumbling she didn't participate and was literally being held by one of the teachers!  OMG.  The teacher is about 12 years old - and could barely hold a 45 pound Cora.  WHICH SHE SHOULDN'T BE ANYWAY.  I was livid.   They baby her and that makes me mad.  Cora was not participating because her elbows hurt.  Yes - and this comes from her just seemingly getting hurt a lot lately.  Sunday night when the kids were at the trampoline park - she got some major trampoline burns on her elbows.  Yes, I'm 100% certain they hurt, cuz they are big and sore... but I still don't think she should be babied!

The week before at gymnastics she thought it would be cool to crawl around while she was waiting in line for her turn.  And she would walk around with her hands in her mouth (gross and so annoying)... acting like she's not interested.  OMG!!  To watch her act like that and not be able to open the door and take her out of that, makes my skin crawl.  Even one of the other mom's said to me "Is your daughter not feeling well, she's not really participating?"  Ugh, how embarrassing - no, actually she's just being a brat and a baby!

Yesterday as we were leaving daycare, she thought she would be funny and not come with me when it was time to leave... so I started to walk away (like I always do), and she then freaked out and started sprinting down the hall... then tripped... and fell flat on her face with her head hitting the wall.  Bawling as we walk out!  Again, embarrassing.

And I just got a phone call today from daycare saying she was helping stack chairs after lunch, and she turned around and accidently got hit by a chair in the eye/eyebrow area.  Ok - so that's not embarrassing... but she's just not having any luck lately!! 

Oh Cora May.  I know she's only 5, I'm fully aware...  but I'm kind of ready for her to grow up a little/mature a little in some aspects.  Patience Mom!

Harlem Wizards - Date with Kayson!

Tonight the Harlem Wizards basketball team was playing in Waukee - the schools were hosting the team for a huge fundraising event, and some fun entertainment.  Orginally, we all were going to go... but the tix were pretty pricey and I just knew that wouldn't be really Cora's thing.  SO... I got to go with Kayson; and Daddy got to spend quality time with Cora.  :)   (and she was perfect for him, of course!)

Super fun for Kayson tonight... we got our seats, saw a few of K's friends... and the fun began.  Lots of entertainment - both basketball wise, and dancing, and funny skits by the players.  Some of the Waukee staff (teachers and principals) were playing against the Wizards, which was fun to see.  

It was a great little couple hours with Kayson... I know I enjoyed myself!  (He did too!)

 

with K's principal, Mrs. Tierney

Weekend

We had a super busy weekend...  like I'm overly exhausted, and now have some sort of head cold/allergy thing going on because we were outside in the rain a lot.  :(

Friday:
We headed up to Clarion to finally see cousin Ryan play football.  I'm glad we went, it ended up being a super nice evening (just a little chilly - not too windy), and it was a win.  We decided we were the good luck because they hadn't won a game yet!  Kayson loved it... had a great time watching Ryan.  Cora and I didn't last the whole game, which was ok...  we just headed back to Aunt Tricia's and got ready for bed, and she stayed up way too late. 

Saturday:
A rainy, cold, windy day...  boo. 
It was a very short visit back home, which makes me sad...  I need about a week up there with my sisters and Dad.  We hung out a little in the morning, then back in the truck to head home.  A very wet ride home. 

We got home, dropped Murphy off, then headed out to our church for a craft sale.  This was a big deal for our church, so we needed to make an appearance, and shop... and we did both.  ha.  We found a few cute things for Cora, and for Landry, so that was good. 

Back home, finally - I started laundry and just had some quiet time at home for a bit.  Cora rested for about 2 hours; which was great.  Kayson watched a movie in the basement; again, which was great.   Just a nice afternoon.

Then Saturday night around 6, we headed out to Adel for the annual Mike & Lindsay Taylor bonfire.  A super rainy, wet night, but they luckily have a huge machine shed that is warm and plenty of room for the oodles of people!!  We were able to see some friends we haven't seen in ages, so that was nice... nice to talk with them a little; and of course, throw in fights from my daughter...  it was a decent evening.  ha.  However, with the rain and hay and just being outside a lot - I was a hot mess with my allergies/head stuff...  and I'm still feeling it today.  It exhausts me.

Sunday:
Church... and the rest of the afternoon was laundry and quiet.  Kayson had quiet time, and Cora played with Olivia.  Then the two of them were invited to a birthday party at GetAir...  super fun for them, and a great 2 hours without kiddos.  ha.   Ryan and I did an errand and got groceries, so that was great.

Go Cowboys!

Girl selfie - Lindsay, Eden, me and sis

Piper & Cora

me and Lacey

Cora & Laityn

Weekend - and October

Friday:
I took Friday off from work... no real reason besides using up my PTO.  I still have about 3 weeks left to use... probably not going to happen, but I'm going to attempt!  I literally hung out at home all day - cleaned a little, did laundry and watched TV.  It was a very nice day.

Friday night we just stayed home...  the kids and Ryan made a cake, which was fun...  and they did a movie night.  That's about it!

Saturday:
a gloomy day... rained nearly all day...  Ryan went to work, kids and I just hung out.  Tried to keep busy since we couldn't be outside.  We did lunch, and then went to Kayson's football game, in the rain and wind!!!  Cora was a trooper for about 35 of the 50 minutes!  Then her and I sat in the warm, dry car!  

Ryan then needed to do more work - at the church (he's a busy, important guy lately!!)  Kids and I hung out - had Olivia over to play for a little bit.  Then we met up with Mike, Holly and their boys for pizza.  They are newer to the area (met through church) and we've really hit it off...  it was a good couple hours. 

Sunday:
Church...  and then the day turned super warm and beautiful.  We had a good day of not doing much, but the kids played fairly well, Ryan mowed our awesome green grass now!  Just a nice day...  

and my thoughts about October.
Stinks.
I kind of hate the month of October...  and the 23rd of every month...  things are hard still with missing Mom and just wishing she was here and not sick with that terrible disease.  October was the month we fought with her and put her in the care center.   October was the month she died.  I just hate it.  I try so darn hard every day...  I try to put a smile on my face when I 'need' to, but the last couple weeks, it's been harder than normal.  I'm sad.  I'm sad that a year has nearly passed...  a year.  What in the world have we done in a year?  sooo much.  So much has happened, we've done so many things, our kids have changed so much.  Everything is different.  We've experienced new and different things.  Life happens.  so fast.  And as much as I love it - and as much as I'm thankful for so much... I still hurt.  I ache.  My heart hurts...  I miss my Mom.